4 Unbelievable Works of Virtual Assistant in Healthcare
With the rapid growth of smart speaker units in the US, reaching a staggering 91 million in 2021, it’s safe to say that virtual assistants have made their mark in our daily lives. From checking the weather to ordering groceries, these personal assistants have revolutionized the way we live.
But the capabilities of virtual assistants in healthcare go far beyond just convenience. They have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry and improve the lives of both patients and healthcare workers.
With the ability to schedule appointments, remind patients to take their medications, and monitor their health remotely, virtual assistants and mobile health applications have the power to transform the healthcare experience.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at four remarkable examples of how virtual assistants in healthcare are being utilized in the healthcare industry, providing countless benefits to both patients and healthcare professionals. Get ready to be amazed at the potential of virtual assistants in healthcare!”
How Were Virtual Assistants Used in Healthcare During the Pandemic?
The future of virtual assistants in healthcare is looking brighter than ever, with the market projected to reach over $5 billion by 2028. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in making virtual assistants an indispensable tool in the healthcare industry.
As healthcare facilities struggled to keep up with the demand for medical care, healthcare workers were stretched to their limits. But with virtual assistants in healthcare by their sides, they were able to provide essential care to patients in need, whether it was through phone calls or video chats.
Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilized chatbots to keep the public informed with up-to-date information on the pandemic, while Intermountain Healthcare in Utah created a user-friendly chatbot to help patients determine if they needed to seek medical attention.
But virtual assistants in healthcare aren’t just limited to providing medical information. Apps like Wysa use cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness exercises to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression. In 2021, Wysa even received $5.5 million in Series A funding to further their mission of improving mental health.
This is just the beginning of what virtual assistants can do to support and enhance the efforts of healthcare workers. Get ready to witness the transformative power of virtual assistants in the healthcare industry.
What Are the Advantages of Using Virtual Assistants in Healthcare?
The use of virtual assistants in healthcare is on the rise and has the potential to completely revolutionize the industry. The introduction of chatbots, AI, and voice search technology has made it possible for hospitals and clinics to take advantage of voice-powered virtual assistants in healthcare for a wide range of tasks.
Streamlining Administrative Tasks
The use of virtual assistants in healthcare powered by AI and machine learning is transforming the healthcare industry by reducing the burden of administrative tasks. Suki, for example, helps doctors create notes from conversations with patients, make changes by speaking, and pull out any necessary data from an EHR. As a result, clinicians using Suki can finish their notes 76% faster and dedicate more time to their patients.
Maximizing Patient Care
Virtual assistants also help with scheduling appointments, answering patient questions, reminding them of post-visit requirements, and shortening visit times. They also allow patients with chronic illnesses to renew their prescriptions without having to visit a health center. With virtual assistants managing these tasks, healthcare workers can focus more on caring for their patients.
Available 24/7 for Patients
The 24/7 availability of virtual healthcare assistants ensure that patients have someone to turn to for questions or doubts about their health symptoms. They provide peace of mind for patients and help them know what to do after every visit.
A Better Healthcare Experience for All
By using virtual assistants to manage administrative tasks, healthcare workers can have more time to focus on caring for their patients. With the ability to streamline administrative tasks, answer questions, and provide 24/7 support, virtual assistants in healthcare are revolutionizing the healthcare industry and creating a better experience for all.
How Can Voice Assistants Help Elderly or Chronically Ill People?
Voice assistants like Alexa are often thought of as being designed for younger generations, but they can be especially beneficial for the elderly, those living alone, and those with chronic illnesses. One of the biggest advantages of voice assistants is that they can be controlled simply by voice, eliminating the need for touch screens or keyboards that some elderly people may struggle with.
In addition to making it easier for seniors to control their smart devices, voice assistants can also play a key role in helping them maintain their daily routines. For example, a voice assistant can greet them in the morning, remind them to take their medication and remind them of any doctor’s appointments they may have. This can help seniors stay independent and on top of their health while also reducing feelings of loneliness for those living alone.
Furthermore, voice assistants can also control other smart devices in the home, making it easier for people with disabilities or physical limitations to operate everyday gadgets like the TV, radio, or coffee maker. With the help of a voice assistant, elderly or chronically ill people can stay connected, informed, and engaged, making their lives easier and more enjoyable.
Examples of Using Voice Assistants to Help the Elderly or Chronically Ill People
1. Voice Assistants for Diabetic Patients
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, and managing it can be quite a challenge. However, the advancements in technology have made it much easier for people with diabetes to take care of their health. Voice-activated virtual assistants in healthcare like Sulli, the Diabetes Guru, and WellWithDiabetes are designed specifically to help people manage their diabetes.
Sulli, which can be accessed through Amazon Echo or Google Assistant, provides users with information and tips on a wide range of topics related to diabetes, including exercise, medications, glucose monitoring, and healthy lifestyle habits. It even answers general questions about diabetes.
WellWithDiabetes is another useful tool for diabetics. It works as part of Google Assistant and allows users to ask questions about diabetes, including the glycemic index of foods, symptoms of high or low blood sugar, and even suggests new recipes to try.
By using these virtual assistants, people with diabetes can easily access the information they need to manage their condition, including tips on healthy living, reminders to take medication, and information on healthy food choices. These tools empower people with diabetes to lead healthier lives and live more independently.
2. Amazon Echo’s Alexa Helps Seniors with Dementia
Dementia can be a challenging and overwhelming condition for both the individuals suffering from it and their families and caregivers. However, virtual assistants like Alexa can provide a helping hand in providing comfort and support to those affected by dementia.
One of the greatest benefits of Alexa is its endless patience. Alexa can provide entertainment and answer questions all day long, no matter how many times they are asked. This can greatly improve the quality of life for those with dementia who may struggle with repetitive questions or anxiety.
With the GG Care Alexa skill, family members or caretakers can also set up reminders and tasks to ensure the elderly with dementia are staying on track with their medication, appointments, and daily routines.
The only limitation is that, as smart speakers require voice commands to operate, they may not be suitable for individuals with difficulty speaking. Nonetheless, Alexa provides a valuable tool for helping those with dementia live more comfortably and with greater peace of mind.
3. Virtual Assistants for Helping Those with Worsening Eyesight
Virtual assistants are game changers for individuals with visual impairments or blindness. With voice-controlled smart speakers, these users have a hands-free device that can be controlled by speech, making information more easily accessible.
Smart speakers can perform a wide range of tasks, from scheduling appointments to playing music or audiobooks, without the need for a screen or keyboard.
Intelligent speakers can be set up to help individuals order takeout, call a taxi, or pay bills through voice commands. This new level of independence and control over daily tasks can have a significant impact on the lives of visually impaired users.
With a virtual assistant like Alexa, for example, users can interact with the world in a whole new way. It’s an exciting time for assistive technology, and smart speakers are making a real difference in the lives of those with visual impairments.
4. Securing Healthcare with Voice Biometrics
As healthcare systems increasingly transition to digital records, managing patient data and providing remote care has become easier than ever. However, this also means that medical records are vulnerable to cyberattacks and require additional layers of security to protect sensitive information. Biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints and retina scanners, are becoming more popular in the healthcare industry, especially voice biometrics.
Voice biometrics uses a person’s unique speech patterns to verify their identity, providing an extra level of security when accessing sensitive medical records. With modern voice technologies, not only can a person’s voice and speech be recognized, but their age can also be estimated. This information can be incredibly useful in healthcare settings, especially when prioritizing elderly patients.
By using voice biometrics to secure medical records, patients can feel confident that their information is being protected while still allowing for quick and easy access for healthcare providers. The convenience and security of this technology make it a promising solution for improving the overall safety and efficiency of healthcare systems.
Final Verdicts
Digital assistants are revolutionizing the healthcare industry, improving the quality of care for patients while also easing the workload of healthcare professionals. By handling administrative tasks, these virtual assistants can streamline the patient experience, making it more convenient and accessible.
Digital assistants can also gather information about patients before they even see a doctor, which can help with making more accurate diagnoses and suggesting the most effective treatments. Moreover, these assistants can remind patients to take their medication and follow up to see how they are feeling after a visit or hospital discharge.
To ensure patient privacy and security, voice biometrics can be used to protect sensitive health records. With virtual assistants, patients have access to personalized and confidential healthcare support from the comfort of their own homes. It’s amazing to think that such a small device can have such a big impact on the healthcare industry.
